Cageside with John Morgan

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan break down an incredibly entertaining UFC 302 headliner between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, as well as what might come next for the two stars. Is Makhachev the rightful pound-for-pound king right now, or Dana White right when he says that honor belongs to Jon Jones? There was some oddity with Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa in the cage and on t...

Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz spoke to Grind City Media’s John Morgan for the latest “Cageside 1 on 1” to help preview Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, including the role Khabib Nurmagomedov played in the preparation, as well as the shared legacy of the longtime teammates. Is Makhachev truly “the greatest fighter living in combat sports right now”?Additionally, Abdelaziz gave numer...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan take a deep dive, breaking down the main event and co-main event of UFC 302. Can Dustin Poirier drag Islam Makhachev into deep water? how does Makhachev match up on the feet? In the co-main, will Paulo Costa empty the tank early and try to steamroll Sean Strickland, or will Strickland’s Philly shell wear down his massive opponent?  Ronda Rousey makes s...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan look back at this past weekend of UFC and Bellator action. How hard is being a judge? Well, the guys walk through a couple “what if” situations.  Belal Muhammad finally gets his shot for UFC gold at UFC 304, with a co-main event of Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blades. Would the UFC ever force Jon Jones’ hand to fight Aspinall? All this and more ... 0:00 – I...

0:00 – Introduction 1:05 – “We’re in the same conversations as any top combat sport organization out there” 4:44 – Conor McGregor now has a “significant amount of equity” in BKFC 8:10 – McGregor remains close with UFC, not ruling out BKFC fight 10:50 – Don’t be surprised to see Feldman at UFC 303 11:23 – “Platinum” Mike Perry moving needle, wants money over a belt 14:43 – Previewing Friday’s BKFC...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan, relive the Derrick Lewis fight and his post-fight antics and why he will always be a mainstay in the UFC. Bellator Champions Series from Paris takes place this Friday, as Patchy Mix takes on Magomed Magomedov in the main event. Additionally, fast-rising French star Cedric Doumbe squares off against the vet (and longtime training partner of Eric) Jalee...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan discuss everything that unfolded at UFC 301 in Brazil, including a surprisingly tense battle between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg. Timecodes 0:00 – Introduction 2:01 – Alexandre Pantoja (barely) retains flyweight belt against impressive Steve Erceg 10:50 – Pantoja quietly putting together impressive accolades 15:32 – Eric’s old-school encounter wi...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan discuss how Mike Perry has become the face of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship after remaining undefeated with a quick and violent win over Thiago Alves. Did BKFC win the weekend, and was Alfredo Angulo vs. Jeremiah Riggs the best round in BKFC history? Eric and John also offer up a UFC 301 preview, where the “King of Rio,” Jose Aldo, returns, an...

On this episode Eric McMahon and John Morgan talk Conor McGregor and his comeback bid vs Michael Chandler. Are they perfect opponents for each other, and will the extra size be helpful or harmful for either fighter?  Jamahal Hill makes a quick turnaround as he books his next fight against Khalil Rountree Jr. Is it a smart decision or foolish? BKFC KnuckleMania 4 takes place this weekend, and “Plat...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan take a look back at an incredible UFC 300 event, where Alex Pereira impressed once again, Zhang Weili defended her strawweight title in impressive fashion, and Max Holloway absolutely stole the show with an incredible win over Justin Gathje, claiming the “Blessed Man Forever” belt and a $600K bonus check – and these were just three standout performance...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan break down this weekend’s massive UFC 300 card. From top to bottom, this is undoubtedly the most stacked card the UFC has ever put together. The guys break down even the early prelims, on to the prelims, and then the main card and main event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Does Alex Pereira have what it takes to defend his title against the former ch...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan talk UFC Atlantic City and the eye pokes that caused all the controversy. Was the outcome of Chris Wiedman vs. Bruno Silva the right call? Hear why it couldn’t have been a no contest and what may have went down that lead to the unanimous decision. UFC announces a blockbuster for the promotion’s Saudi Arabia card in Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev....

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan take a deep dive into what was UFC bitegate this past weekend at the Apex, as Igor da Silva Severino gets disqualified and then cut from the UFC as a result of biting his opponent, Andre Lima. What was he thinking? What was his motivation, and could there ever be a second chance for him? Meanwhile, “Thug” Rose Namajunas sets her path back to a title af...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan break down the misunderstood brilliance of Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul and why it will be the most watching boxing event of all-time. Additionally, the two look back at Marcin Tybura’s first-round submission of fellow UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa, look ahead to this weekend’s UFC on ESPN 53 headliner between Amanda Ribas and Rose Namajunas, while also offe...

On this episode, Eric and John recap UFC 299. “The Suga Show” was on full display with Sean O’Malley earning a masterful decision victory over Marlon Vera. What is next for O’Malley, and why the UFC may rethink a superfight with Ilia Topuria. Dustin Poirier withstands the early onslaught from Benoit Saint Denis and delivers a spectacular knockout. Is a title shot next for “The Diamond”? How bad wa...

On this episode, Eric and John break down what is set to be a spectacular pay-per-view card with UFC 299 in Miami. Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon “Chito” Vera has all the makings of an absolute dog fight. Additionally, are the oddsmakers showing disrespect to the legend Dustin Poirier, or is Benoit Saint-Denis on his way to contend for lightweight gold? Former Bellator champ Michae...

On this episode, Eric and John cover what was a busy weekend in MMA. PFL vs. Bellator ended with Renan Ferreira reigning supreme over Ryan Bader in just 21 seconds, potentially setting up the fight that would bring Francis Ngannou back to MMA. On the same night at UFC Mexico City, Brandon Royval earned an upset victory over Brandon Moreno and called for a rematch with champ Alexandre Pantoja. Is B...

On this episode, Eric and John recap UFC 298, where new featherweight champion Ilia Topuria was laser focused. Was there any hangover for Alexander Volkanovski? Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili steamrolls “Triple C” and is now the clearcut No. 1 contender at bantamweight. Paulo Costa saw his stock rise in defeat, and Robert Whittaker is right back in title contention with a spectacular performance. Al...

On this episode, Eric and John break down UFC 298. Will Alexander Volkanovski reign supreme, or will the skillset and confidence of Topuria make the difference? The No. 1 contender spot is on the line as Merab Dvalishvili takes on “Triple C,” Henry Cejudo, who has multiple paths to victory – but will cardio be the difference? All this and more ... Timecodes 0:00 – Diving right into an incredibly d...

On this episode, Eric and John break down Nassourdine Imavov’s UFC Fight Night 235 win over Roman Dolidze, including a few chaotic moments both in and out of the cage? They also take a look at what’s next for Imavov – and why it should absolutely be Chris Curtis – as well as the moment from the fight that serves as the perfect explanation for why MMA’s Unified Rules may soon be changed. Additional...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan start looking forward to UFC 300, which is quickly becoming a blockbuster with the latest additions to the card. Will Kayla Harrison be successful in her octagon debut? Additionally, the guys discuss Jon Anik’s emotional week online and look forward to a busy weekend. Timecodes 0:00 – Introduction 2:32 – Kayla Harrison set to face Holly Holm at UFC 300...

On this episode, Eric McMahon and John Morgan break down the UFC 297 main event that saw Dricus Du Plessis gain a split-decision victory to become middleweight champion of the world. Was there a bit of controversy? Did Sean Strickland have an off night? Is Israel Adesanya the logical next fight for Du Plessis, or did Strickland earn an instant rematch? Raquel Pennington claims the vacant women’s b...

On this episode, Eric and John take a deep dive into the main event of UFC 297, where middleweight champion Sean Strickland defends his title vs. Dricus Du Plessis. Who is going to be the first one to take a back step? Will Strickland be able to withstand the early barrage, and what can we expect from the pre-fight press conference when these two personalities take the stage? Also on the show, Mag...

On this episode, Eric and John dive into to some unresolved storylines leading off 2024, including who’s next for Islam Makhachev. Does Belal Muhammad get the next shot at champ Leon Edwards? Conor McGregor has announced his next fight, but the UFC has not. Why? Looking ahead to UFC Fight Night 234, then the big one with UFC 297 and Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis. All this and more ... Time...

On this episode, Eric and John relieve a wildly entertaining 2023 in the sport of mixed martial arts. Who were the big winners in Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Submission of the Year and Fighter of the Year? All this and more ... Timecodes 0:00 – Introduction 1:15 – Laying out the Year in Review Awards criteria 2:45 – Fight of the Year – and a disagreement! 18:56 – Knockout of the Year...